Na2So4+Hg(NO3)2

balance equation and find the spectator ion

Na2So4+Hg(NO3)2 ==> 2NaNO3 + HgSO4

Na^+ and NO3^- are the spectator ions.

How? I wrote the expanded equation and Na balanced out.

and NO3 didn't

Sure, here's the balanced equation:

2 Na2SO4 + Hg(NO3)2 → 2 NaNO3 + HgSO4

Now, let's identify the spectator ion (the ion that appears the same on both sides):

It actually smiles the same on both sides... the sodium (Na) and nitrate (NO3) ions smirk mischievously on both sides without undergoing any real transformation. Therefore, they are the spectator ions. They just enjoy lending an extravagant display of meaningless support during the chemical ballet!

To balance the equation Na2SO4 + Hg(NO3)2, you need to ensure that there is an equal number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. Here is the balanced equation:

Na2SO4 + Hg(NO3)2 → NaNO3 + HgSO4

Now, to identify the spectator ion, we need to understand what spectator ions are. Spectator ions are ions that are present on both sides of a chemical equation and do not participate in the reaction. In this case, we can identify the spectator ion by looking at the ions that are the same on both sides of the equation.

The Na+ ion and the NO3- ion are present on both sides of the equation. Therefore, they are spectator ions since they do not undergo any change during the reaction. The Hg2+ ion and the SO4^2- ion, which are involved in the formation of new compounds (NaNO3 and HgSO4), are the ions that actively participate in the reaction.